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Prepositions with “mark”

“of mark” or “by mark” with “mark”

“By mark” appears in a few fixed or technical expressions. “Of mark” is uncommon in modern English and usually sounds unnatural unless “of” belongs to another structure.

Quick answer

Which preposition is used with “mark”?

“By mark” is used in a few specific expressions such as “judge by marks” or nautical calls like “by the mark.” “Of mark” is not a standard combination with the noun “mark” in modern general English.

The papers were graded by marks rather than by comments.
The sailor called out, by the mark five.
This is not a standard phrase: of mark.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
by mark

Using a mark as a standard or measurement

“By mark” can mean according to marks, signs, or measurements in limited contexts.

Students were ranked by marks at the end of the term.
The depth was announced by the mark three.
2
mark of + noun

Showing a sign or indication

The common pattern is usually “mark of” rather than “of mark.”

Her apology was a mark of respect.
The award became a mark of achievement.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
by mark
The old system evaluated students by marks.
A limited but idiomatic expression meaning according to marks or measurements.
of mark
The phrase “of mark” alone is not a standard modern combination.
Usually avoided unless “of” belongs to another noun phrase.
mark of
The gift was a mark of gratitude.
The standard expression for a sign or symbol of something.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using “of mark” as a fixed phrase

English normally uses “mark of” instead.

✕ a gesture of mark ✓ a mark of respect

Confusing “by mark” with general evaluation

“By mark” is limited in use. In many contexts, “by score” or “by grade” sounds more natural.

✕ Employees were promoted by marks. ✓ Employees were promoted based on performance scores.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The teacher ranked students ___ marks.
2. Her medal was a mark ___ excellence.
3. Which phrase is generally nonstandard in modern English?

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Frequently asked questions

Is “by mark” common in everyday English?

No. It appears mainly in technical, educational, or historical contexts.

Can “of mark” ever appear in a sentence?

Yes, but usually because “of” belongs to another structure, not because “of mark” is a fixed expression.

What is the most common pattern with “mark”?

“Mark of” is very common for signs, symbols, or indications.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

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